The Comprehensive Error Rate Testing (CERT) program grew out of the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General improper payment rate estimates from 1996 through 2002. Due to sample size restrictions, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) assumed responsibility because they had access to more granulated data in 2003. The […]
Overlooking separately billable services rendered during the global period will cost your practice dearly. Many obstetrics/gynecology (OB/GYN Coding) practices are coding deliveries incorrectly or failing to submit claims for “problem visits” during a prenatal or postpartum visit. Common mistakes such as these not only fail to capture payment for services rendered but also the meaningful […]
Denied claims are one of physicians’ chief complaints when it comes to dealing with payers. To a certain extent, every practice deals with claim denials. It’s those practices that eliminate the most common reasons that experience a smoother revenue cycle and find greater financial success. Here are the 13 most common reasons for why claims […]
Undercoding, or reporting a lesser service than was performed and documented, is sometimes employed as a defensive strategy to stave off claims denials or audits. But, undercoding can make a provider an outlier, and may create consequential patient care, compliance, and financial liabilities. For example: Undercoding Leaves Money On The Table, Driving Down Provider Reimbursement […]
“Separate procedure” may not mean what you think. Many procedural codes in the CPT® Book are designated as “separate procedures.” However, the common misinterpretation of this is that coders can report such codes as such in every case. Not true. First, you must consider: Were there other procedures performed during the same encounter? Did you consult […]





